DeSantis said he's 'basically moved on' from the Disney feud — and now wants Bob Iger to drop the lawsuit against Florida that legal experts say the company could win
Business InsiderAug 23, 2023
Disney Files Another Lawsuit Against DeSantis' Oversight Board
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Image copyright: Nicholas Fuentes [via Unsplash]
The Facts
While Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has said he's "moved on" from the legal feud with Disney, the company has now reportedly filed counterclaims — including a breach of contracts claim against the board of supervisors picked by DeSantis to oversee Walt Disney World’s special tax district.
Disney says that while the land use agreement it had with the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which was voided by the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District (CFTOD), is under a new name, it's still legally the same organization. Accordingly, Disney says the agreement should be abided by under the new contract.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
Disney is rightly fighting back against the authoritarian impulses of DeSantis, who has repeatedly weaponized Florida’s government to infringe on Disney’s First Amendment rights. The presidential hopeful has tied his political identity to fighting the absurdly characterized “woke” corporation. However, his real identity is his prejudice against LGBTQ+ people, as seen by his discriminatory laws. DeSantis cannot force Disney to abide.
Republican narrative
Disney has been badly losing its battle against DeSantis, and it will continue to do so. Not only does the corporation not have a moral ground to stand on, but it also lacks any legal argument for its ability to defy state law. Disney is shamefully committed to indoctrinating children with inappropriate content. Its behavior should not be rewarded with undeserved corporate welfare.
